NCJ Number
142137
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 65-72
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Because corporate officers are legally liable for ensuring the recoverability of business services following a disaster, disaster recovery planning -- also known as business contingency planning and emergency response planning -- is an essential form of business insurance.
Abstract
For companies that rely heavily on automation and data processing, disaster recovery planning can take the form of redundant capabilities within the company, mutual agreements with other companies, or agreements with third parties called hot site vendors. A hot site is a fully operational data processing facility configured to the company's specifications and available within 24 hours of notice. Commercial hot site vendors, who are paid a monthly fee by their subscribers, have multiple remote data centers with work space, air conditioning, security, storage space, and an uninterruptable power source. These vendors are equipped with wide-ranging communications networks and have arrangements with long- distance carriers and computer hardware suppliers. To choose a hot site vendor, a company should assemble a project team to gather and analyze information, recommend a vendor, and conduct contract negotiations. A suggested request for proposals (RFP) format would include a cover page, table of contents, general purpose, minimum requirements for facilities, inventory of hardware and software, and inventory of all network hardware. The RFP should also include a description of anticipated needs for hot site testing. The vendor selection phase would consist of a short list compilation, vendor presentations, and hot site visits. Contracts for hot site vendors are complex, legally binding instruments that should cover all the company's disaster recovery concerns.